written by Todd DePastino PVT Elden Smith - Camp Claiborne May 1942 Among the many records, photos, stories, and ephemera collected at Bill Bonnamy's website devoted to the 319th Glider Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division, is the remarkable story of Elden Smith from B Battery. Elden was a sergeant from West Virginia
Written by Todd DePastinoBill Bonnamy has collected a fascinating and easily accessed archive of records, photos, stories, and ephemera related to the 319th Glider Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division. Bill's father's service in the unit inspired the creation of the 319 Gliderman website (https://319gliderman.com) as tribute "to the memory and sacrifices made by these brave
Written by Todd DePastino Up to the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on April 4, 1949, the United States largely abided George Washington’s warning, “steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.” Thomas Jefferson, who agreed with Washington on little, wholeheartedly concurred. “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with
written by Nadia Rupniak, PhD Marcin Rupniak (Nadia Rupniak) The transition from military service to civilian life presents many challenges for Servicemen and Servicewomen. They may have experienced combat trauma, the deaths of close friends, and political changes that seemingly negated their sacrifices. Recently, I discovered the terrible burden that my father,
written by Todd DePastino Ten miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis and across a busy highway from the International Airport is Historic Fort Snelling, birthplace of modern Minnesota. The Dakota tribe called the site Bdóte, "the place where two rivers meet," and it was their home from time immemorial until their forced exile after the
written by Todd DePastino I continue to be enthralled by Bill Bonnamy's immense effort to trace the footsteps of his father, William M. Bonnamy, who served in the 319th Glider Field Artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division. The unit was created to join the battle on—get this—wooden glider planes. The 319th was the first
